“We were in Monaco together" - Dimitar Berbatov praises Fabinho

Former Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov has waxed lyrical about Liverpool midfielder Fabinho.

The Reds signed the Brazilian from Monaco for a transfer fee of €45 million back in the summer of 2018.

Since then, Fabinho has gone on to make 181 appearances for Liverpool's first-team.

The 28-year-old has helped the Reds win the Champions League, Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, Premier League title, League Cup, FA Cup and Community Shield.

Berbatov and Fabinho played together at Monaco. The 41-year-old had the following to say about his ex-teammate.

“We were in Monaco together, he was a young boy back then. I came from the Premier League but straight away I could see his talent. He was very good in training, taking responsibility in the games, he could play at right-back and in the middle of the park," he told the Liverpool Echo, as quoted by AW on Twitter.

“In training sessions I was used to physical contact, most of the time I was smashing him here and there, with elbows and shoulders so he could go on the ground. He was like ‘Berba, come on!’ and I’m like ‘I’m preparing you for the Premier League’.

"Funnily enough, years later he’s in the Premier League and one of the best players in the Liverpool team.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

Fabinho is a terrific player. However, the midfielder has been a bit off the pace so far this season.

Fabinho has averaged a WhoScored player rating of 6.65 across the early stages of the 2022-23 campaign.

But, we are confident that the Brazilian will be able to get back to his best.  Fabinho is only 28 years of age after all.

It's not like his career is coming to an end.